Thomas Bernard Kealy, 86, of Darien, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on April 3.
Thomas Kealy, 86, passed away April 3.
Tom was born in White Plains, New York, to Catherine and John T. Kealy on Sept. 8, 1936.
Tom attended Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains and graduated from Iona University in 1959. Following graduation, he joined the Marine Reserves, completing his basic training at Parris Island and Camp LeJeune.
His professional career began at Sinclair Refining Company and then he joined Time Inc. with the original Life Magazine in ad sales in New York City. Tom was then transferred to Boston for seven years where he and Ellen had their two sons. Tom returned to New York where he spent the remaining 35 years of his career with Time Magazine.
Tom retired in 1998 and enjoyed many happy winters in Vero Beach, Florida, golfing at Bent Pine Golf Club. He was also a member of Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, New York for 48 years. He conducted many a business deal on the golf course and was known to enjoy a good martini. Tom was also a long standing member of the Metropolitan Club in New York City.
Tom was the light in every room. No matter the situation, he was able to crack a joke (for better or worse) and bring a smile and laugh to everyone around him. Whether on the golf course or home with his family, Tom was always bringing out the best of every situation and those around him. Besides golf, Tom enjoyed gardening, riding around town in his ‘79 white VW Beetle and was an avid Red Sox fan.
Tom was a resident of Darien for 49 years and a member of St. John’s Parish.
He is survived by his loving wife, Ellen, of 63 years; two sons: John Patrick (JP), and his wife, Annamarie, of Norwalk; and Thomas Edward (Ted) of Ormond Beach, Florida; and his adoring grandchildren: Tommy, Brendan, Jake, Lily, Corey, and Erin. He is predeceased by his brother, Jack Kealy, and sisters, Peggy Lodge and Canice Nardone.
In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Tom may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Calling hours are from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, April 6 at Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien.
— an obituary from Lawrence Funeral Home, where online condolences may be left